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Newport Dealeys 2011 Reunion Review Buffalo NY was the designated city for our 13th annual Newport Dealeys reunion. On September 8-11, 75 shipmates and guests gathered
at the Adam Marks hotel to reunite with old friends and meet new shipmates under clear blue skies in spite of the heavy rains
from hurricane Irene that were encompassing the East coast, central and southern New York state. Shipmate arrivals began on Thursday noon with
tales of flooding roads and detours. At the welcome reception, Chairman, Ron Bauer, USS Cromwell, began
with the pledge of allegiance, welcoming remarks and general notes on the weekend itinerary followed with a serving of light
hors d’oeuvres. The Anchor Bar “Home of the original Buffalo Wings” was the chosen destination down town
for shipmates that were in need of additional chow. Friday morning, we visited the museum
ships USS The Sullivans, USS Little Rock and The USS Croaker and had lunch aboard, followed with a trip to Niagara Falls and a ride on the Maid of the Mist. Our regular business meeting
began on the tour’s return, where we voted to hold our 2013 reunion in Burlington VT. The evening dinner
“the Best of Buffalo” and an informative visual presentation on the history and operation of the Erie Canal by Ron Bauer concluded the evening. Saturday morning
the tour took us to Lockport for a historical boat
ride to experience the Erie Canal and navigate the
locks. Late arrivals Bob and Edith Kitchen, who had left Philadelphia on Wednesday morning with heavy rains and road flooding ahead, filled
us in on their experience of being isolated in a motel in Owego NY, with flooded parking lots and no electricity
for three days. As shipmates greeted them, their first comments were “we need a shower”. Attendee photos and a social hour preceded our Saturday evening Banquet. Marc Arsenault, USS Lester, read a tribute to our deceased shipmate Dean Hoover, USS Hartley, who
left us in January. A visual presentation with comments on several of our past reunions brought back memories and laughter.
Marjory Allen, (wife of Russell Allen IC3 USS John Willis) won the raffle grand prize, the porthole clock. With the retirement
of the colors, our after hours social gathering began with Richard Soltis, USS John Wills, entertained us with his accordion
by playing popular request. Sunday morning, September eleventh, which was the
tenth anniversary of the 9-11, Our Chaplain Jerry Skorch, USS Joseph K Taussig, read a tribute to the events
of that date, followed by our traditional bell ringing ceremony for deceased Newport Dealeys shipmates. Tearful good byes
and best wishes were predominant as we look forward to Portland ME in 2012.
Marc Arsenault Newport Dealeys
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